Families and caregivers face several problems while caring for a loved one with dementia. Dementia is a degenerative biological brain ailment in which people lose their ability to recall things, think properly, interact with others, and care for themselves. Dementia can also alter a person’s personality and conduct and produce mood swings. When caring for a person with dementia, it’s common to experience severe behavior problems and communication challenges.
We don’t know how to communicate with someone who has dementia, but we can learn. Improving your communication skills will make caring less stressful for you and your loved one and will almost certainly enhance the quality of your connection. As you care for a person with a dementing condition, having good communication skills will also help you deal with the unpleasant behavior you may experience.
1. Attract the attention of the individual
Turn off the radio or TV, pull the curtains or close the door, or relocate to a calmer environment to reduce distractions and noise. Ensure you have her attention before talking; address her by name, introduce yourself by name and relation, and utilize nonverbal clues and touch to keep her attentive. Get down to her level if she’s seated and establish eye contact.
2. Clearly state your point
Make your sentences and terms as straightforward as possible. Slowly, clearly, and with a soothing tone, say what you want to say. Instead of increasing or loudening your voice, drop your pitch. Use the exact phrase to repeat your message or query if she doesn’t comprehend the first time. Wait a few minutes before asking the question again if she still doesn’t get it. Instead of pronouns (he, she, they) or abbreviations, use people’s and places’ full names.
3. Give easy-to-answer questions
Ask one question at a time; yes/no questions are the most effective. Avoid asking open-ended questions or providing too many options. “Would you prefer to wear your white shirt or your blue shirt?” for example. Better still, show her the possibilities—visual signals and suggestions can assist clarify your inquiry and direct her response.
4. Reassure and reassure with tenderness
Dementia patients may feel perplexed, nervous, and insecure. Furthermore, they are prone to getting their reality mixed up and recalling events that never happened. Attempting to persuade them that they are incorrect is a bad idea. Keep your attention on the sentiments they’re expressing (which are genuine), and reply with words and actions of comfort, support, and reassurance. Hold hands, touch, embrace, and compliment the person when all else fails.
5. Remember when things were simpler
Reminiscing on the past may be both calming and reassuring. Many dementia patients may have no remembrance of what occurred. They end up refraining from asking inquiries that rely on short-term memory, such as what the person had for lunch. Ask generic questions about the person’s distant history instead; this knowledge is more likely to be remembered.
6. Pay attention to what’s happening around you
Wait for your loved one to respond with patience. It’s OK to provide words if she’s having trouble coming up with one. Pay attention to nonverbal signs and body language, and adjust your response accordingly. Always try to hear the meaning and emotions behind the words.
7. Activities should be broken down into several steps
As a consequence, many jobs become significantly easier to do. Encourage your loved one to accomplish what he can, gently remind him of steps he may forget, and assist him with those he can no longer perform on his own—using visual clues, such as showing him where to lay the meal dish with your hand, maybe really useful.
8. Create an atmosphere that encourages interaction
Your body language and attitude are more efficient at communicating your feelings and ideas than your words. Make an excellent first impression on your loved ones by speaking politely. To assist in conveying your message and exhibit your sentiments of affection, use facial expressions, tone of voice, and physical touch.
9. Keep your sense of humour
When feasible, use humor, but not at the other person’s cost. People with dementia frequently keep their social abilities and are happy to laugh with you.
10. Distract and redirect when things become rough
Change the topic or the environment if your loved one feels frustrated or agitated. You may, for example, ask for his help or suggest going for a walk. It’s crucial to establish an emotional connection with the person before redirecting. “I see you’re upset—I’m sorry,” Let’s have some fun!”